The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, has urged indigenous companies to invest in life-impacting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in host communities for mutual benefits.
Wike gave the advice in Port Harcourt on Friday, while inaugurating the Corporate Office of Giolee Global Resource Ltd, an indigenous company delivering world-class environmental solutions for sustainability.
The minister commended the founder and managing Director of the company, Mr Lesi Maol, for building the corporate office in Port Harcourt and not in Lagos or Abuja.
According to him, the move will not only provide employment to the people of Rivers, but also boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
While describing the consideration as very encouraging, Wike said that investing in CSR would not only develop the host communities but build the needed trust and impact positively on the overall development of the state.
“Let me commend you for what you are doing for the host community and pray that the community will take advantage of what you’ve done.
“There are so many companies that don’t care about corporate social responsibility.
“You said here that you’re providing a 500 KVA transformer and paying school fees of 50 students, that is very, very commendable.
“You are not only providing employment but also making the company available for students who study sciences to come here for excursion and industrial training,” he said.
He encouraged the host communities to take advantage of the company to improve their livelihood.
The minister recalled handing over the Certificate of Ownership to the company during his tenure as governor of the state, as part of efforts to ensure that business owners have the certificates to access bank service.
Earlier, Maol explained that he invited Wike to inaugurate the edifice to show gratitude for giving the company the Certificate of Ownership two weeks before leaving office as governor of Rivers.
He explained that the company, specialising in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, is one of the leading providers of environmental consultancy and technical services, across Nigeria and West Africa.
He added that the company, established on Nov. 5, 2004, was committed to delivering world-class environmental solutions with a focus on sustainability and excellence.